I have to agree with Gordon S. on his review of Tabla. We were a table of five and all of us were unanimous in our vote of this restaurant. The staff was very courteous and the atmosphere is aesthetically pleasing, leading us to a dining experience that fell flat of our expectations. Is this the same place that's on everyone else's top 10? Maybe my palate really is that unsophisticated.
As an adventurous eater and great lover of Indian cuisine from various regions, I knew to expect an interesting hybrid of flavors and not quite your mother's Indian cooking. However, aside from the naan and relishes traditionally served at the beginning of the meal, as well as some unusual dips, we were in search of something to swoon over. The appetizers were moderately good, but the entrées were overall bland and somewhat unpleasant. My sesame crusted fish was almost painful to eat and I decided to leave the other half on the plate. My mother's lamb was...lamb, just like you have in any other dining establishment. At one point, we stopped sharing in the realization that there would be no revelations here.
I give them one star for the service, because they really did try.
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After my friend recommended me this place - and reading all the comments on the site - I decided to try this resturant - and I enjoyed every second. The place very warm - very nice and welcoming. The food was very interesting (it was the first time that we tried indian food) we loved the food most of all because the spices that they are using there. The avocado salad was amazing and also the rozmarine bread - the chicken was good - it seems a bit small - but it was just fine. I'm recommending this place.
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I'll have to disagree with the first review. Tabla is yet another of Danny Myer's restaurants that have excelled. Chef Floyd Cardoz does a brilliant job of combining traditional Indian flavorings and spices with European ingredients to create gourmet Indian dishes one better than the next. A good way to try this place if you're uncertain is to go for drinks and appetizers at the cafe bar downstairs. They have great house cocktails, a good selection of beers, and a thorough wine list.
If you like Indian food, but find it a little extreme sometimes, you'll love Tabla.
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We were not impressed by Tabla. Indian fusion that doesn't work. The food was too salty and just not very good. Certainly doesn't deserve the hype. On the bright side, some of the snacks were good and Danny Devito was sitting next to us (Louis DePalma is still one of my all time favorite characters). But the main courses simply didn't cut it.
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Editorial

The SceneOccupying a cavernous space in the Met Life Tower, the restaurant's soaring staircase, deeply stained woods and lush, curvilinear details make a striking impression. The second-floor dining room, itself gently bi-level, has a serious but relaxed air; smart, impeccably professional and engaging service creates a very comfortable dining experience.

The FoodThis isn't Indian cuisine, but seasonings and techniques from the area lavishly spice up what would otherwise be competent and creative American food. Take roast chicken, to which a cumin jus and anise notes lend uncommon panache; or surreally succulent lamb enlivened by acutely tuned fruity curry flavor. A whole apple filled with roasted egetables and scented with Roquefort makes a striking starter, as does a handsomely composed crab and avocado salad with tamarind chutney in a papadum shell. The menu holds no letdowns: Desserts, like a cone of stiff kulfi with licorice, ot cinnamon souffle, extend dinner's spice into the sweet realm.

High Marks"Tabla is an extraordinary eating experience. Each plate was bursting with flavor - try the tabla crab cake followed by the tapioca crusted shrimp and scallops." (evi, Citysearch user)\

"The gleaming wooden staircase is lined with candles that seem to cast a magical glow on the whole place." (mariejulienne, Citysearch user)

"I'm no expert on "Indian fusion" food, but everything I ate, from the naan to the kulfi, really impressed me." (cobraman332, Citysearch user)Low Marks"My only beef is the excessive use of salt. It wasn't necessary and only took away from the other spices that were working their magic." (mango_mama, Citysearch user)

"One slight criticism would be timing...it seemed to take a little too long to get the entrees." (georgiboy, Citysearch user)

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